Perspectives

Abram Van Engen, of Arts & Sciences, writes on the Center for the Humanities blog, “Human Ties,” about the new podcast he is co-hosting, “Poetry for All.” He said it’s aimed at “not just those who love poetry, but those who feel hesitant about it, even those who dislike it altogether.”

The religious right has made no secret of its expectation that President Trump will choose a socially conservative successor to the seat held by Ruth Bader Ginsburg. And the president will likely deliver, further confirming the power of the religious right, writes Lee Epstein.

Rebecca Wanzo reviews Michaela Coel’s HBO/BBC One series “I May Destroy You.” While much of the work is emotionally shattering, one of the staggering accomplishments of Coel’s creation is that it manages to provoke real laughter, even as it focuses on various kinds of sexual assault, Wanzo writes.

Do I worry about the worsening mental health of my patients and friends, as well as its effect on me? Yes. Has the timeline to prepare myself to better cope with that sped up? Yes. But I want them to know I will remain here, in their corner, ready to support them if and when they need me, writes Jessica Gold.

Joel Minor writes on the University Libraries blog about the 25th anniversary of the publication of author and critic William Gass’ “The Tunnel” and university research materials related to the book.

Gerald Early remembers Chancellor Emeritus William H. Danforth, who died Sept. 16, 2020, with two stories Early recalls with particular fondness. “To say that Bill Danforth was a great man nearly goes without saying and seems a platitude without much meaning. What does it mean to be great, after all?” Early writes.

Robert W. Duffy, a WashU alumnus, longtime adjunct lecturer and writer, writes a remembrance of Chancellor Emeritus William H. Danforth. “There are lots of kindly encomiums for persons of distinction: brilliant, wonderful, generous and so on. But it is a rare person who can be described as great. Dr. Danforth was such a person.”

Jessica Rosenfeld in Arts & Sciences writes in The Conversation about “quarantine envy” and how comparisons during the COVID-19 pandemic might raise awareness of inequality and even drive social change.

This could get ugly. Just how ugly will be determined by the quality of election administration and the rhetoric of political leaders, writes Steven Smith about the upcoming presidential election.

Chancellor Andrew D. Martin reflects on his blog about this unprecedented season of life while remaining hopeful and grateful because of the strength of the Washington University community.